4 Tips When Buying CAD/CAM Programs

Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD) are important parts of the modern day process for dreaming, designing, engineering and shipping products. If you’re unfamiliar with the software, however, you might be wondering where to start when it comes time to buy your own. Here are just four tips for purchasing CAD or CAM software.

1. Stick to Your Industry

While plenty of programs can be used in a variety of industries, it’s best for first-timers to stick with software specifically designed for their fields. You can always play around and customize other, more general programs once you’re more experienced. In the beginning, stay with the tried-and-true products that your colleagues are already using successfully.

2. Know What You Need

Though they have similar functions, there is a difference between CAD and CAM programs, so you’ll need to do your research to figure out which is best for your professional needs. If you’re a supplier, for example, you might get more mileage out of manufacturing software than design software.

3. Think About Price

How much can you afford to spend on a program? Keep in mind that if you’re leading a team or buying software for your entire company, they’ll also need to be trained in its use, and that expense can really add up. It might be worth paying extra for a user-friendly brand that employees can teach themselves.

4. Ask About Warranties

Sometimes software looks great on paper but comes with all kinds of disadvantages when actually in use. Sometimes it gets damaged in the mail and arrives at your desk full of glitches or even completely unresponsive. To make sure you aren’t left footing the bill after an unforeseen disaster, read the fine print of the warranty before committing to a particular product.

These are just a few things to consider when looking at CAD/CAM programs for your business. Click here to learn more about them and what they can do. It’s the 21st century, so you’ll definitely want to jump aboard the train while you still can.